DeLora Lee Norwood

02/09/1953 - 05/07/2011

NORWOOD, DeLora Lee
(Age 58)

February 9th, 1953 -
May 7th, 2011

DeLora, or "Lori" as many family members called her passed away Saturday May 7th with all four of her children and her husband with her. She was born in Biloxi Mississippi, to Darwin and Charlene Hook. She was the oldest of three girls and always felt like the mother to her youngest sister Tammi. She was raised in Hayward, CA. but spent the majority of her adult life around the Spokane and Seattle area, eventually calling Spokane her permanent home.
DeLora was a strong willed child who questioned authority and as an adult she was determined to make her own path. She loved a challenge and began her career in sales as a teenager selling appliances with her Dad and Uncle. Even after she finished interior design classes, she remained in sales; working for Sylvan's furniture, and became one of few female managers at Color Tile. And in true DeLora style, often said she was the only manager to make her bonuses. She was proud of her success and while she worked she was dedicated.
DeLora enjoyed music and could dance to anything with a beat. She spent time in her 20's as a bass player in a band with her second husband, Dennis Dunham, and she always remembered that time with a rock star sparkle in her eye. She could have done anything she set her mind to, but chose to spend the majority of her time raising children. She also enjoyed reading, working in her yard, and had special memories of time spent at the river property she owned.
She is preceded in death by her mother Charlene, father Darwin, and first husband Lynn Spinks. She is survived by her husband Bob Norwood, son Brian Spinks (Stacy), son Erik Dunham, daughter Rachel Tomsha (Rod), son Adam Norwood (Mali), twin grandchildren Jake and Maddy Spinks, twin grandsons Cohen and Leo Tomsha, two sisters; Vikki Sotka and Tammi Struve, two nieces, and a nephew.
Services will be held at Fairmount Memorial Park Saturday May 14th at 2:30pm with a celebration of life immediately following at her daughter's home in Spokane.
Mom, you were taken from us the day before Mother's Day, so unexpectedly, so sadly, so dreadfully. Your strong spirit will be missed and you will be in our hearts forever. The peace you failed to find in life has finally found you and now we wish you a joyful return home to the other side. Thank you for the honest lessons and pure emotions you shared with all and the gift of life to your children.
We love you!